The Talented Mr. Ripley: The Wardrobe

Today’s post is the latest in my wardrobe recap series, this time focusing on the movie, The Talented Mr. Ripley. I really enjoyed doing this recap – it was lovely to see all the wonderful fashions of the 50’s (especially on the two female leads, played by Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett), and how elegantly they translate even today. I’ve featured both Gwyneth (in A Perfect Murder) and Cate (in Blue Jasmine) before, and it was fun to get to see them both in this one movie. Enjoy!

The first time we see Gwyneth on screen, in this very chic printed two piece swimsuit. I’ve always found the best place to find similar, retro style swim to be Anthropologie (of course).

Covered a bit more now, with a white shirt (which you’ll see used over and over again) over a little red linen dress.

And then here, tied up as a top with a printed skirt worn on the bottom. Love the headscarf too!

And finally, worn as a swim cover up.

I found a very similar version of Gwyneth’s classic white short sleeve shirt, complete with waist tie, from Current Elliot.

Another one of my favorite outfits – this embroidered cotton peasant top, over a mid length skirt.

I love a good peasant top and am super partial to them. Here are two great options: a very pretty one from Joie, and another from Jessica Simpson (no judgment please, she runs a fashion empire) at a much more friendly $50 price.

And one more look, hanging out at home in her pajamas and cardigan. I think Gwyneth makes even this look classic!

An appearance by the always fabulous Cate Blanchett. I love the way she tied her scarf – great inspiration.

And then next, Ms. Blanchett again, this time dolled up for an evening gala. How pretty is her gown? I think if you removed the front floral arrangement it would look quite modern and would be very wearable today.

Oops…didn’t see you there, Gwyneth!

I love her royal blue gown and it goes great with her hair and red lipstick. You can find a similar version, via Nicole Miller.

The next morning. Gwyneth looking cool and collected in sunglasses and a yellow sweater and matching scarf. Another classic look that I can see very easily being worn today.

Cate Blanchett coming over to say hi (despite Gwyneth’s ice queen glare we witnessed earlier). I love her little beret and the scarf slung over her shoulder.

Another evening look from Cate, where all we see is some details of her gown and a loose trench overcoat.

Another classic look from Gwyneth. A trench coat, blue shift dress, and matching silk scarves. Lots of silk scarves in this movie.

Here is a classic Burberry trench that will last you decades.

Gwyneth in a beautiful blue coat. Find a similar one with a modern twist (more navy colored) from Joseph.

Another coat (and one of my favorite looks from the movie), this awesome leopard cap and coat. Ahh!

I have two very nice leopard print options for you: one from Dolce & Gabbana in luxurious cashmere, and a faux fur version from Nina Ricci.

Underneath the coat? The lemon yellow sweater she was wearing earlier. You can find a similar version, via J.Crew.

And finally, going from leopard coats to a more casual look…a chambray floral blouse tucked into a navy patterned skirt. I really think this looks like a modern day Anthropologie catalog look.

All right – and that about does it! My lessons learned from this wardrobe recap?

1. Some decades were just better for timeless, classic fashion than others. Well, at least in my opinion – I’m sure there are some out there who feel the way about the 80’s that I do about the 50’s. So many of the looks here were ones that I would wear today – classic shapes and lines that stand the test of time. And because of that…

2. Stick to classic shapes and lines! The other day I unearthed a few dresses from the back of my closet in my mom’s house that looked pretty good…except that for some reason they featured gigantic bubble hems. Why, oh why did I think that these hems were good, or even flattering? I bought them because they were everywhere at the time…but now they look so dated. Whereas my classic A-line, simple hem dresses…are still going strong.

3. Try a white shirt. I have the hardest time with classic “stiff” blouses but love my soft white chambray version. I wear it all the time. You can see all the ways that Gwyneth wears her’s in the movie – now I’m thinking it’s time for me to find a short sleeve version, for the next day I go on holiday in a sunny place!

I hope that you all enjoyed this recap! What did you think of the fashions from The Talented Mr. Ripley?